Apple has documented a new “feature” in the latest 10.4.9 release as follows:
After installing Mac OS X 10.4.9, pressing the Media Eject key on the Apple keyboard does not always eject media from the optical disk drive nor display the eject symbol on the screen.
Products affected
Mac OS X 10.4.9
Solution
To prevent accidentally ejecting media, Mac OS X 10.4.9 adds a slight delay to the Media Eject key before it takes effect. To eject a disc, press and hold the Media Eject key. The disc will eject normally and the screen will display the eject symbol.
I have noticed with 10.4.9 this does not always work. For example if I’m ripping a cd in iTunes and try to eject it, using the keyboard eject, or dragging the disc to the trash can, or even using iTunes eject, it will not eject. I can hear the tray trying to eject the disc and then it reloads and mounts the cd. After I close itunes and wait for a minute I can eventually get the disc out, but it is frustrating.
This is not just with iTunes, but any app that is using the disc. Any ideas??